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Hunt Firms For Roos As JT Out

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BEN Hunt's hopes of becoming a Kangaroo have firmed after the shock withdrawal of Johnathan Thurston from the Four Nations tournament this morning.

The Cowboys co-captain visited surgeon Dr John Maguire in Townsville yesterday and was advised that a shoulder injury would not allow him to fulfil his commitments to the Kangaroos.

Fellow Cowboy Matt Scott is also out of Kangaroos contention after undergoing surgery on his shoulder today.

Thurston’s injury does not require surgery at this stage.

However his absence does open up a spot for a half in the Australian squad that will be named next week.

Hunt was 18th man for Queensland this year, but there are some top other halves in contention, including Daly Cherry-Evans, Mitchell Pearce, Rabbitoh Adam Reynolds and Bulldogs pair Trent Hodkinson and Josh Reynolds.

However Hunt will get the opportunity to showcase his form when he plays halfback for the Kangaroos alongside Bronco recruit Anthony Milford this Sunday.

The pair will lead the Prime Minister's XIII against Papua New Guinea in Kokopo.

Thurston told www.cowboys.com.au today that it had been hard to withdraw.

“It was a really difficult decision to have to make but in the end, the doctor really took it out of my hands when I saw him yesterday,” JT said.

“You never want to miss playing rep footy, and I’m very proud of my record in that area, but this time there’s no other option.

“I’d like to wish the Kangaroos all the best for the Four Nations.

“I’ll definitely be watching every match they play and cheering them on.”